Political opinion with Alison Bennett MP: My final question to Keir Starmer: Fix our water

Last week marked the final sitting week before Parliament’s summer recess, with MPs returning to their constituencies. It was also the final week of Keir Starmer’s premiership, bringing his time as Prime Minister to an end after two years. 

It was a notable moment to be in the Chamber and hear Starmer’s final remarks as Prime Minister. While I recognise the difficult international situation he inherited, domestic decisions and policy reversals ultimately undermined confidence in his government. 

During Starmer’s final Prime Minister’s Questions, I asked a question that is frequently raised by people across Mid Sussex: the reliability of our local water supply. Over recent months, Mid Sussex has experienced repeated water outages, in some cases lasting several days. During the recent hot weather, homes, businesses and care settings were left without running water, while Downlands School in Hassocks was forced to close for a day, affecting around 1,200 pupils. Emergency supplies often came too late, leaving vulnerable residents in Staplefield reliant on neighbours for support. 

Access to clean, running water should never be in doubt. We need investment in ageing infrastructure to reduce leaks and improve resilience, alongside stronger oversight to ensure customers first. In my question to Keir Starmer, I emphasised that as housing targets continue to increase, it is also vital that water infrastructure keeps pace with demand. Water companies should be required to confirm that they can provide a reliable supply before major new housing developments are approved. 

Starmer agreed that these outages are unacceptable, and that customers should expect a reliable service.  When our next Prime Minister takes his place, I will continue pressing him to reform our water system to make sure that it can be relied upon. 

Following my question, I hosted an event in Parliament with Mid Sussex charity Group B Strep Support to mark Group B Strep Awareness Week. The Hayward Heath based charity works to raise awareness of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), which can cause serious illness in newborn babies, including sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. The work that Jane and Oliver do, supporting families and campaigning for improved screening and prevention is invaluable. 

With Parliament now in recess until September, I look forward to spending more time across Mid Sussex, meeting residents and supporting our local community. If there is an issue you would like to discuss or need help with, please contact me at alison.bennett.mp@parliament.uk.